Grading machine



Sept 1946- MCSHERRY LUPTON 2,406,

GRADING MACHINE Filed Aug. 9; 1941 s Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 3, 1946. MCSHERRY LUPTON 2,406,842

GRADING MACHINE Filed Aug. 9, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 3, 1946. McSHERRY LUPTON GRADING MACHI Filed Aug. 9, 19

8 Sheet -Sheet 3 Sept. 3, 1946. MCSHERRY- LUPII'ON GRADING MACHINE Filed Aug. 9, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 P 1945- V MCSII-IERRY LUPTO'N GRADING MACHINE Filed Aug. 9. 1942!. 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Sept. ,3, 1946. McSHERRY ILUPTON GRADING MACHIN Filed Aug. 9, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Sept. 3, 1946. MCSHERRY LUPTON 2,406,842

GRADING MACHINE Filed Aug. 9, 1941 8 Sheets- Sheet '7 Patented Sept. 3, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GRADING ACHINE McSherry Lupton, Winchester, Va. Application August 9, 1941, Serial Noidll6, 177

14 Claims.

' .1 L i This invention relates to grading or sizing machines and more particularly to an improved machine for separating fruits, Vegetables or other more or less analogous materials into different grades according to. size; 3

A major object of this invention is to provide a grading machine for sizing apples which includes a plurality of grading units, conveyorbelts for delivering fruit to the grading units, and bins for-receiving the graded fruit to be packed, all compactly arranged so as to occupya minimum'amount of space; yet so that every element of the machine is readilyaccessible by the operator-or fruit packer. I

Another object of this invention resides in the provision of means foreliminating any one of the grading'units from the series when desired without in anyway interfering with the operation of the other units'of the series.

Still another object of this invention is to pro.- vide main conveyor-belts for delivering fruit to th grading units havingthose portions opposite the receiving end of each grading unitadjuStably inclined or tilted toward the gradingyunit .to thereby facilitate clelivery' of the fruit to the grading units. N v A further object of this invention is to provide each grading unit with resilient, rubber fingers supportedabove the links of the upperstretch of the sizing chain of 'each unit for turning and positioning the fruit relatively to the sizing opening of the sizing chains and thereby preventing undersized fruit from riding through on the links of the sizing chain. The foregoing and. additionallfeatures of; the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims; taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view ofthe fruit grading machine; a

Fig. 2 is a plan view of one modification oi the grading machine having the same essential features as shown inFig. 1, but providing aislesbetween adjacent bins; n h y I Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-4 of Fig. 1, looking lengthwise of the machine in Fig. 6 is a iragmentarysection of one of the grading units showing the resilient rubber fingers 2 and their relative positionwith respect to the sizing chain;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary section, somewhat enlarged, along the line 1-'l of Fig. Lshowing the relation of the sorting rolls with respect to the receiving end of the-sizing chain of the first grading unit; I 1 Fig, 8 is a fragmentary sectionfalso enlarged, along line 8-8 of Fig. 2, showing the delivery end of the sizing unit with respect to the spacer belt and the distributing belt'of" the packing bin; Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the roller of this invention for driving a sizing chain;

Fig, 10 is a plan view of a portionof one of j the main conveyor belts and gate showing their relation withrespect to thereceiving end of a grading unit; H g 1 Fig. 11 is a view on line ll-l l of FigQlO, but showing the gatein closed position; Fig 12 15 2. View of a portion ofthe side of one of the packing bins showing the construction of one of thedoorsgj r v Fig. 13 is a sectionalo ng line l3-l3of Fig-12; Fig. 1415a section alonggline l3--l3 of Fig. 12 but-showing the'padded door in its open pooni e M Fig. 15 is an end view of the grading machine, looking toward'the right-hand end of Fig, 1; Fig. l6 is a-view showing-the relation ofthe distributing belt and off-grade return belt'with respect to each other and the and utility belt; Fig. 17 is a modified belt arrangementshowing the use of a s inglejendlessbelt instead of two endlessbeltsasin-Fig lfi; g. Fig. 18- shoWsfasuitable driving and reversing mechanisni for the lower distributing belt; and Fig. 19 is a cross sectional view looking lengthwise of one of the rubber covered rollers used beneath the gradingchain showingprojecting rubber teats. J Referrin now to the drawings and particularly tdFig, 3,.it will be seenthat. the supporting frame of the grading machineis constructed princi-v pally jotwood and comprises Jbasemembers l, to

which are secured vertical leg members 2, on which are mounted the-grading unitsand their associated mechanism indicated generally at 3, 3 3 and 3. Alsoattached tothe base members I are legs Q, for supporting the packing bins 5,

As shownin the plan view 1, the, grading or sorting machin comprises a feed bin 6 which may be inclined to feed the fruit onto the eliminating chain 1 which is a small mesh chain or screen for removing undersized fruit and foreign matter such as leaves, twigs, pebbles, etc. From this eliminator l the fruit, apples in this instance, are fed to a belt of sorting rolls 8 driven by a sprocket wheel 8=-, shown enlarged in Fig. 7. This belt of sorting rolls is provided at this point so that an operator may remove oil-grade fruit such as rotten or badly bruised fruit before it reaches the first grading unit. Thus far, this is the usual rocedure in most grading machines.

The plurality of grading units 3, 3 3 and 3 1 are spaced along two parallel main conveyor belts 9 and ID at right angles thereto and in staggered relation with respect to each other in such an arrangement that the conveyor. belt 9 passes beneath the sizing chains of alternate grading units 3 and 3 and commnuicates with the receiving end of succeeding alternate grading units 3 and 3. Conveyor belt I passes beneath grading units 3 and 3 and communicates with the receiving end of grading unit 3 and every succeeding alternate grading unit where more than four grading units are used. Y

The conveyor belts 9 and I0 are driven in the same direction, as indicated by the arrows I I and I2 and have a bin l3 arranged at their delivery ends. As shown in Figs. 4, and 11, those portions [4 of the conveyor belts opposite the receiving end of each of the grading units 3, 3 3 and 3 are adjustably inclined to facilitate delivery of fruit to the grading units. This inclined or tilted portion of the belt is supported by rollers l5 and [6 at the ends and throughout the intermediate ortions by the adjustably hinged slatted framework IT. This slatted framework is hinged at l8 on its inner side to the supporting frame of the machine and-adjustably supported at its outer side as indicated at E9. Thus it will be seen that this portion of the belt resting on this slatted framework I! can be tilted to any degree desired by rotation of the screw threaded bolt 20 thereby raising or lowering the outer side of the slatted framework I! on which the conveyor belt rests.

unit. Therefore only one of the grading units will be described in detail, this description applying to the other grading units with the exception noted above in regard to the mesh of the sizing chain.

As best shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, each grading unit comprises an inclined plate 23 for spacing the gap between the delivery belt 9 and its inclined portion l4, and the sizing chain 22. The supporting and driving means for the Sizing chain consists of end rollers 25 and 26, which latter is power driven to move the chain, guide channels 21, and sides 28 (Fig. 6). Placed beneath but out of contact with the rising stretch 29 of the sizing chain are a plurality of rollers 30 to raise any apples which might be extending part way through the chain and re-position them so that they can go through the chain opening if they are of the correct size. Fig. 5 shows a slight modification of the above arrangement. Instead of using a plurality of rollers 30 immediately be neath the rising stretch 29 of the sizing chain, a short endless belt 30 is supported just beneath the rising stretch 29 of the sizing chain and serves the same purpose as the rollers 30, namely, to raise any fruit which might be projecting part way through the chain and to reposition the same so that it can go through the chain opening if it should. At the upper end of the rising stretch 29 and toward the end portion of the upper stretch 33 of the chain are two rollers 30' which are located just beneath the surface of the chain whereby fruit projecting through the links and temporarily caught in the links may be urged upward and thus freed. The rollers 30 may be provided on their exterior with short rubber teats or they may be covered with sponge rubber, either of such coverings serving to engage the surface of fruit without damaging the same. Likewise, the rollers 30 may be similarly covered. In Fig. 19, there is illustrated an enlarged cross sectional view of such Hinged at one side of the receiving end of each grading unit is a gate 2| which is adaptedwhen in the open position and extended transversely of the conveyor belt to shunt fruit to the grading unit from the conveyorbelt as shown in Fig. 10, and when in the closed position, as shown in Fig. 11, closes the receiving end of the grading unit and allows the fruit to be carried by the belt past the gate to another grading unit. A spring 22 is provided to hold the'gate in an open position or to be ineffective when the gate is closed. The bottom edge of the gate is beveled progressively from its pivoted end towardits free end, as shown best in Fig. 11, so that when the gate is in its open position extending transversely of the inclined portion Mot theconveyor belt, its bottom edge will be closely adjacent the upper surface of the inclined portion [4 of the conveyor belt. Both the hinge and free ends of the gates 21 are shown as having projections 2| intermediate their height. These projections at the free ends of the gates are adapted to enter complementary recesses 21 in the door opening (Fig. 11) and 2 I in the opposite wall (Fig. 4).. This construction serves to pre vent the gate from being forced up by matter accumulating or catching beneath it.

The parts of each of the grading units arealike except that the mesh of the sizing chain of each unit varies in accordance with the size of the apples to be graded out by the particular grading has the outer surface provided with short projecting rubber fingers or teats. The rollers 38 and 30 in Fig. 4 are not illustrated as carrying the rubber coating, as this is sufficiently illustrated in Fig. 19.

The driving andsupporting rollers 25 and 2G constituting respectively an advance or receiving roller are shown in plan or side elevation, in Fig. 9. The surface of the roller is slotted circumferentially as at 3| and axially as at 32 so as to receive the longitudinal and transverse links of the chain, in such manner that no portion of the chain protrudes above the surface of the roller as it passes around the same. Beneath the upper stretch 33 of the sizing chain and on either side of the conveyor belt l0 that passes beneath the grading unit for receiving fruit which has passed through the sizing chain are inclined padded bafiles 34 and 35 for preventing the fruit from leaving the belt (Fig. 4).

The grading chain illustrated is provided with rectangular openings, the links crosswise and lengthwise being straight. The rollers 25 and 26, as shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9, by reason of the circumferential and axial slots, have projecting block-like elements 49, which are adapted to project through the openings in the chain after the manner of square gear teeth. The blocks illustrated have a peculiarly advantageous configuration by reason of the fact that their outer contour is curved circumferentially while being axially straight. The curved surfaces are shown in Figs. 4, 5, '7 and 8. Prior to this invention, it has been the practice to have such projecting block elements 49 with fiat outer surfaces. Now. however, it has been found, as result of thepresent invention, that the action of the blocks provides a peculiar advantage duringthe engagement of the block with fruit being treated and especially as the block enters the opening in the chain upon the rising movement of the block. The combined curvature of the surface of the block, together with the movement of the block uponentering the chain as to assume the position shown in Fig. 8, is one in which the fruit is least subjected to bruising. Similarly, with respect to Figure 7, when the block atthe top of the roller 25 begins to leave the link of the chain; any fruit resting on the block is gradually lowered and the final departure of the block away fromthe plane of the chain link is characterized by the curved surface of the block receding from the plane of the link. The curved surface of the block tends to gradually lower the fruit onto the chain, whereas the older form having a right angle edge would have tended to damage the fruit by 'reason of the 90 angle of the edge of the block being projected upwardly for the fruit to rest upon.

Above the upper stretch of the sizing chains are positioned two sets of bodily resilient, rubber fingers 34* and 35 'depending toward and adjacent the chain (Fig.6), one set 34 lying in'a plane coinciding with the longitudinal elements of the chain so as to prevent the fruit from rid ing through onthe chain at the joint between the longitudinal andtransverse links. A second set of bodily resilient rubber fingers 35 depends adjacent th chain so as to overhang the sizing openings of' the chain so as'to reposition any fruit which might be caught crosswise or otherwise incorrectly lodged temporarily in the openings of the sizing chain. Thesets of fingers 34 and 35 are positioned in spaced relation with respect to each other along the upper stretch of the sizing chain. In Fig. 6 is illustrated an enlarged view of the rubber fingers 34 and 35 looking to the right along the upper portion of Fig, 4. At the delivery end of the sizing chain, an inclined plate 36 is provided to bridge the short gap between the sizing chairi and the packing bin 5'. The inclined plate 36, constituting a discharge apron, is illustrated in an enlarged view in Fig. 8 as having its underneath surface at its advance edge, that is, the edge next adjacent the blocks 49 of the discharge roller 28, bevelled, whereby the upper surface is brought as closely as possible to the path of revolution of the blocks 49. It will also be observed that the upper and advance edge of the plate 36 is positioned approximately at the top of the roller 26, this being possible by reason of the fact that the curvature of the blocks 49 defines the outermost path of revolution of any portion of the blocks and therefore also any portion of the path of revolution of the roller. By referring to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be seenlthat'the sizing chains of alternate grading units travel'in the same direction. 1

Arranged at the discharge end of each gr din unit are padded packing bins 5 having a plurality of padded-doors 31 pivoted to the outer side of the bins. These doors 3'! are as best shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, pivoted at 38 to the bottom surface of the bins. The door 31 is so pivoted to the side of the bin that when in its closed position, as best shown in Figures 12 and 13,,its outer surface is flush with the side of the bin so that it presents no obstruction protruding beyond the side of the bin. For holding the door in its closed position, an adjustable spring 40 is provided sccured at one end to the bottom of thebin and having its free end bearing against a downward projecting piece 4| secured to the bottom edge of the door. One of the advantages of this door, hinge, and detent construction is that the door does not snap shut upon being closed, but to the contrary, closes to its final position only as moved by the person operating it. The piece 4| is in constant frictional engagement with the spring 40 during the closing movement and toward the end of that action the piece 4| comes to rest against the upturned edge of the spring piece 40. The nature of the closing movement is in contrast to the effect provided by certain constructions in which the door, upon snapping shut, may actually strike fruit resting on the table near its edge and'throw it with resultant damage to the fruit. When the doors 31 are in the open position, the inner surface of the door is flush with the inner bottom surface of the bin so as to prevent the fruit from becoming bruised due to any dro or bump as it is discharged from the bin. Webs of canvas 33 are secured to the ends ofthe door and the sides of the bin and serve to guide'the fruit and prevent it from rolling off the sides of the dooras it comes out of the bin.

Travelling along the surface of each bin and next adjacent the discharge end of the gradin chains 3, 3, 3 3 and the belts 44 are substantially horizontal distributing belts 42 and 42 for receiving the graded fruit as it is discharged fromlthe delivery end of each grading unit for the purpose of evenly distributing the fruit lengthwise of the bins 5 for preventing piling up or over-crowding of the fruit in that portion of the bin opposite the delivery end of each grading unit. These distributing belts 42 and 42- are adapted'to be driven in either direction by suitable driving and reversing mechanism, (Fig. 18). Above the level of the bins 5 are provided ofigrade return belts "for returning off-grade fruit to a receptacle at one end of the machine.

As shown in Fig. 16, and also at the right hand side of Fig. 3, separate endless belts may be used, one for the distributing belt 42 and the other for the off-grade return belt 43. As a modification of this particular arrangement, the'use of a single belt is shown in Fig. 17, and also at the left hand side of Fig. 3, wherein the bottom side 42 travels along the inner side of the bottom surface of the bin and acts as a distributing belt and the returning upper portion 43 of the same endless belt is used for the off-grade return belt.

Arranged at the delivery end of the off-grade return belt 43 or 13 for receiving the off-grade fruit, is a utility belt 41, Figs. 1, 2 and 15, which takes the off-grade fruit from the off-grade belt and returns it to one end of the machine, where it may be caught in a receptacle, not shown. This belt 41, as shown in plan views I and 2, is positioned on a level above the sorting rolls and sizing chain in the first grading unit. As shown in the sectional view of Fig. 3 at the right hand side of the machine, two endless belts are used, one for the distributing belt 42 and the other for the olfgracle return belt 43, and on the left hand side of the machine, a single endless belt is used, the bottom side of which acts as the distributing belt 42* and'the upper returning side 43 of the same endless belt acts as the off-grade return belt above the level of the bin.

In Fig. 2 is shown a plan view of the grading machine with slight modifications. Spacer belts 44 are positionedbetween the delivery end of each: grading. unit, and its respective bin. The spacer belts 6.4 travel; in the same: direction as the. sizing chain. of the. grading unit with: which the particular spacer beltv is; associated for delivering fruit, as: it. comes: from the grading unit to the. distributing: belts: in. the: bins, This arrangement, as shown in Fig; 2, provides space between the conveyor belts 9 and; t andzadjacenti parallel bins so that. operators: will be afforded easy access to either side. of. the bins and. any portion 015 the operating: mechanism. of the grading machine.v

Also; shown in: Fig. 2 is a. cross; belt 535- on. the same. level 33813118111131]; conveyor belts: 9. and. I0 for:- transferring fruit; from. the conveyor belt. 9 to the: conveyor belt. l8, thereby eliminating: one of the grading: units: from the: series: when, desired. Pivotedi at: the receiving end of the cross; belt, 45 is: a. gate. 46 of the. same type as gate 21', which is adapted; when extended transverselyto the conveyor belt. 9,.to shunt: fruit from the conveyor belt tothe cross belt. 4'51 and. when. in. its; closed position, allows. fruit. to continue along the: con:- veyor: belt. 9. to. the; next.- grading unit..

Referring: to Fig; 10,. it. will. be; noted that the pivoted: gate 21, when. extended; transversely to a conveyor belt, forms: a:- definite-pathfor shunting the fruit. from. the conveyor belt, said path increasing as it approaches the receiving" end of the. grading unit for preventing the fruit from jamming the entrance. to. the grading unit; To achieve thiszresult; thelength' of'the pivoted gate 21. is suchthatwhenextended transversely-to the conveyor: belt, the. distance from: its. free end 48 to thenearest' point on the opposite. side of. the conveyor-'belttis alwayslessthan the width of the opening of the receiving end of the gradingzunit.

The operation of the grading machine is as follows: Apples are. dumped into'the receiving bin 6 (Fig; 1?) from: which they are fed to. an eliminator chain 1 which removes foreign matter such as. leaves, twigs and also any undersized fruit; From the eliminator chain, the apples travel next to a belt of sorting rolls 8 alongside of which an operator stands to pick out and remove any offgrade apples. The apples reach the first grading unit 3 as they come from the sortingroll's 8. The sizing chain 3' of this first grading unit is of a mesh larger than any of the succeeding grading units. so that the largest or first grade fruit is carried through by the sizing chain and is deliveredto the distributing belt 42* and thence over the; surface of the bin to be packed. The fruit smaller in size than the largest or first grade fruit passes through the sizing chain 3 onto the main conveyor belt 9, where it is delivered to the next sizing unit 3 in the series. It will be noted that the chain moves upward away from any fruit which has passed through it. The sizing chain ofthis unit? is smaller than that of the preceding grading unit and therefore the next size fruit is" carried through by the chain and delivered to its respective bin 5 to be packed". At this point, if it is desired to cut out this grading'unit' 3 in the series, the pivoted gate 2| (Fig. 1) is closed and the fruit is carried'bythe conveyor belt-either to the last grading' unit 3, or according to the modification shown in Fig. 2, is transferred to the other main conveyor belt by the cross belt 45 where it is delivered to the grading unit 3.

The undersized" fruit passes through the sizing chain of the grading unit- 3* onto the belt l0 and is delivered to the sizi'ng'chain of the next gradmg unit 3" which is of a mesh smaller than that ,of the preceding grading unit. The next sized fruit is. carried through; by the sizing; chain and delivered to itsrespecti-ve bin to be packed. Fruit smaller than this; grade passes through the sizing chain onto the conveyor, belt- 9 and. is delivered to the sizing chain. of therlast grading unit, which is of a mesh still smaller than that of the preceding grading; unit. The smallest sized fruit is carried through by the. sizing; chain ofthis unit and delivered to, its respective packing bin, and. the smallest or undersized fruit passes through onto the conveyor belt HI- and is delivered to: the bin l-3 at. the end of the conveyorbelts-B and It.

It will be seen that: this grading machine is very flexible. in its use; in that any one or more of the grading unitssmay be eliminated or cuttout from the series by merely closing the pivoted gate at the receivingend' of any particular grading unit.. This is especiallydesi-rable where; for instance, a lot of fruit which isbeing sorted. or graded consistslargely ofonly two or three sizes. On the other hand, if a particular lot of; fruit contains" more than four sizes, the arrangement of this machine is such that additional grading units may be added; for. grading additional sizes of fruit without materially altering or rearranging any of the existing grading units; This. is an especially important; feature of this invention.

The: fruit packers stand along the side of the bins, and release the. fruit from the: bins into baskets or other packing containers by merely placing the basket or container'beneath any one of the doors 31 and opening the. door: allowing the fruit to roll. into the basket or container; It will be noted that-no protruding obstructions exist along the side of the bin when the doors: are in their closed position. Therefore, the packer is free to move along. the side of" the. bin without hindrance.

The structure of the present invention provides particular advantagesby reason, of the fact that the fruit isxnot' permitted to fall' through the links of the grading, chains. In the construction.il1u trated, thev chain. continues to moveupward after fruit, capable of passing through. the. link openings, has actually passed through the openings. Thus by reference. to. Figs. 4 and 5, it will be noted that the fruit which passes through the links after'havi'ng been moved upwardly over the rollers 30in Fig. 4 or'belt 311 in Fig. 5- may slide or roll downwardly over the paddedinclined' surfaces. of the baffle 34. Attention is especially directed to the fact that the fruit is not permitted to drop but the inclination of the surface 34 is quite gradual andthat'the separation of thefruit from the grading chain is facilitated by the continued movement of the chain upwardly away from the upper'end of the padded surface 34.

Cl'aimsdirectedto the bin details. including the mounting of the door, as shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, are presented in' application Serial No. 686,543, filed July 26, 1946, Grading machine bins, a divisional: case.

1. In a fruit grading machineof the class set forth, the combination with parallel main conveyor belts of aplurality of grading units spaced along said conveyor belts to receive fruit therefrom, each of said grading units extending from a belt to receive fruit therefrom and. bridging a next adjacent'belt to discharge fruit thereon, said units being in staggeredrelation in that alternate units extend from the same belt, each grading unit comprising an endless sizing, chain and sup. porting and driving; means therefor, and" a bin for each grading unit for receiving graded fruit.

receive fruit from said conveyor belts to be graded, each comprising an endless sizing chain extending substantially transverse to the line of movement of said belts, and supporting and driving means therefor adapted to drive alternate siz ing chains in the same direction and adjacent chains in opposite directions, means cooperating with said conveyor belts to guide fruitto be graded from a first one of said conveyor belts to a grading unit adapted to deliver to an adjacent conveyor belt and from the adjacent belt to an adjacent grading unit adapted to deliver to the said first of said conveyor belts and a bin for'each grading unit for receiving graded fruit therefrom to be packed. r

3. In a fruit grading machine .of the class set forth, the combination with a plurality of conveyor belts, of a plurality of grading units each comprising an endless sizing chain and supporting and-driving meanstherefor adapted to drive alternate sizingchains in the same direction and adjacentchains in opposite directions, said grading units being spaced .along said conveyor belts in'staggered relation such that a conveyor belt passes beneath a grading unit to receive undersize fruit which has fallen through that grading unit and the same conveyor belt communicates with the receiving end of an adjacent grading unit for delivering said undersized fruit thereto, and a bin for each grading unit for receiving graded fruit from the discharge end of said grading unit.

v4:. In a fruit grading machine of the class set forth, the combination with parallel main conveyor belts, of a plurality of grading units each comprising/an endless sizing chain, supporting andidriving means therefor adapted to drive alternate'sizing chains in the same direction and adjacent chains in'opposite directions, said grading units being spaced along said conveyor belts at right angles thereto and in staggeredrelation with respect to each other such that a conveyor belt passes beneath the sizing chain of a grading unit to' receive undersize fruit which hasfallen through that sizing chain, and the same conveyor belt communicates with the receiving end of the sizing chain of an adjacent grading unit for delivering said undersized fruit thereto, a bin for each grading unit, and a relatively short endless conveyor belt extending in alignmentwith and as a substantialcontinuation of said grading chain and interposed between the delivery end of each grading unit and its respective bin for receiving the graded fruit from the sizing chain and delivering it to said bin.

'5. In a fruit grading machine of the class set forth, the combination comprising a feed bin, an eliminator chain forremoving undersized fruit and foreign matter, sorting rolls, two main parallel conveyor belts both driven in the same direction, four grading units each comprising an end-' of alternate grading units and are in communication with the receiving end of succeeding al- 10 ternate grading units, gates for the receiving end of each grading unit adapted to shunt fruit to the grading unitfrom one of the main belts when extended transversely to said main belt or to close the receiving end'of the grading unit thereby allowing the fruit to be carried by the belt to anothersizing unit, a cross belt on the same levelas said main belts and adapted to transfer fruit from one main belt to the other, a shunt gatefor the receiving end of said cross belt and adapted when extended transversely to the main beltto shunt fruit from one main belt onto the cross belt thereby eliminating one of the grading .units from the series when desired, anda receiving bin for each grading unit for receiving the graded fruit.

6. A fruit grading machine comprising a grading unit, a conveyor belt for delivering fruit to the grading unit, said grading unit being located along said conveyor belt at an angle thereto, side walls extending upwardly from the level of said belt and lengthwise thereof, the conveyor belt opposite the receiving end of the grading unit being inclined downwardly toward the grading unit, and a pivoted gate for the receiving end of the grading unit adapted in one extreme position to constitute a section of the side walls and having a similar surface and upright position and having its bottom edge bevelled so that when said gate is extended transversely of the belt, its bottom edge along its length will be closely adjacent the upper surface of the inclined portion of the belt, said gate when in the other extreme position extending lengthwise of said belt and substantially in align. ment with one of said'side walls.

7. A fruit grading machine comprising a grading unit, 'a'conveyor belt for delivering fruit to the grading unit, said grading unit being located along said conveyor belt at an angle thereto, side walls extending upwardly from the level of said belt and lengthwise thereof, the conveyor belt opposite the receiving end of the grading unit being inclined downwardly toward the grading unit, and'a pivoted gate for the receiving end of the grading unit having its bottom edge inclined progressively from its pivoted end toward its free end so that when extended transversely of the conveyor belt, its bottom edge will correspond to the inclination of the belt opposite the receiving end of' the grading unit, said gate, when in the other extreme position, extending lengthwise of said belt and substantially in alignment with one of said side walls, said gate having a similar surface and upright position as said side walls.

8. In a fruit grading machine of the class set forth, the combination with main conveyor belts, of a plurality of grading units spaced along said conveyor belts at an angle thereto and in staggered relationwith respect to each other such that the conveyor belts pass beneath alternate grading units and a conveyor belt is in communication with the receiving end of succeeding alternate grading units, the main run of which belt extends horizontally both lengthwise and transversely, that portion'of the conveyor belt in communication with the receiving end of a grading unit being adjustably inclined downwardl toward the grading unit to thereby facilitate delivery of the fruit from the belt to the grading unit, side walls extending upwardly from the level of said belt and lengthwise thereof, a pivoted gate for the receiving end of each grading unitadapted in one extreme position to constitute a section of one of the side walls and having similar surface and upright position and adapted to shunt fruit 11 to the grading unit from th conveyor belt when extended transversely to "the belt, and to close the receiving end of the grading unit when in alignment with a side wall, thereby allowing the fruit to be carried by the belt to another grading unit, said pivoted gate having its bottom edge beveled progressively from its pivoted end toward its free end to correspond to the inclined portion of the conveyor belt opposite the receiving end of the grading unit, so that when said gate is extended transversely to the belt its bottom surface will be flush with the inclined upper surface of the belt.

9. A fruit grading :machine comprising a plurality of grading units, a plurality of conveyor belts arranged in substantially parallel relation for delivering fruit to the grading units, said grading units being spaced along said conveyor belts at an angle thereto, adjacent units extending in opposite directions from adjacent belts and each unit bridging a belt next adjacent the one from which the unit receives fruit for the purpose of releasing thereto relatively small sized fruit, a receiving zone for eachgrading unit, and a distributing belt travelling in a line parallel to said main belt alongthe upper surface of each zone on that side thereof next adjacent the discharge point of a grading unit for receiving graded fruit from each grading unit and distributing the same lengthwise over the surface of the zone to prevent piling up or over-crowding of the graded fruit 'at the discharge end 'of each grading unit.

1'0. A fruit grading machine comprising a plurality of grading units, a plurality of conveyor belts arranged in substantially parallel relation for delivering fruit to the grading *umts, said grading units being spaced along said conveyor belts at an angle thereto, adjacent units extending in opposite directions from adjacent belts and. each 'unit bridging a belt next adjacent the 'one from which the unit receives fruit for the purpose of releasing thereto relatively small sized fruit, a receiving zone for each grading unit, a distributing belt travelling in a line parallel to saidconveyor belts along the upper surface of each zone on that side thereof next adjacent the discharge point of a grading unit, for receiving the graded fruit and distributing the same lengthwise over the surface of the zone, and return belts on a level above each zone for returning off-grade fruit to a receptacle.

11. A fruit grading machine comprising a plurality of grading units, a plurality of conveyor belts arranged in substantially parallel relation for delivering fruit to each grading unit, said grading units being spaced along said conveyor belts at an angle thereto, adjacent units extending in opposite directions fromadjacent belts and each unit bridging a belt next adjacent the one from which the unit receives fruit for the purpose of releasing thereto relatively small sized fruit, a receiving zone for each grading unit, a distributing belt extending along the upper surface of each zone in a line .pa'rallelto'said main belts and on that side of said zone next adjacent 12 the dischargepoint of a grading unit, and adapted to travel in either direction for receiving graded fruit from:each grading unit and distributing the same lengthwise over the surface of the zone to prevent piling up or over-crowding of the graded fruit at the discharge end of each grading unit.

12. In a :fruit grading machine of the class set forth, the combination with parallel main conveyor belts of a pluralit of grading units-spaced along said conveyor belts to receive fruit therefrom, each of said grading units extending from abelt to [receive :fruit therefrom and bridging :a next adjacent belt to discharge fruit thereon, said units being in staggered relation in that alternate units extend from the 'sameibelt and areadapted to move fruit in opposite directions in a path substantially transverse 'to the ipath of movement of said main conveyor belts, each grading unit comprising an endless sizing chain and supporting and driving means therefor, and a :bin for each grading 'unit for receiving graded fruit.

v13. In a fruit grading machine of the class set forth, thecombination'with a plurality of grading units arranged in parallel relation, of a plurality of spaced "conveyor belts arranged in parallel relation to each other'an'd transverse .tolsaidgrading'units for delivering fruit tois'aidlgrading units, a cross belt on the same level as said conveyor belts and extending transversely to :said conveyor belts and with its receivingend located in advance of the receiving :end of one said grading units and adapted to transfer fruit from one main belt to another, means co-operating with said conveyor belts to guide fruit to be graded from a first one of said conveyor belts to a grading unitadapted to deliver to an adjacent conveyor belt and from said adjacent conveyor belt 'to "a second grading unit adapted to deliver to said first conveyor belt, and means to deflect fruit from said one main belt to said cross belt whereby fruitmay be shifted :from one conveyor belt :to another and preventedtfrom being delivered to the next adjacent grading units a'dapted to receive fruit from the same conveyor belt.

14. In'a fruit grading machine of the class set forth, the combination with a :plurality of conveyor belts spacedr-apart and having an aisle between adjacent belts, of a plurality of grading units spaced in staggered relation along said main belts and'a'dapted to receive fruit from said conveyor belts to'be graded, aibin for'e'ach gradin'g unit, an aisle between a bin and the next adjacent conveyor belt, each grading unit comprising an endless chain'extending from'one conveyor belt acro'ss'and above the adjacent conveyor belt and terminating with its end toward but sp'acedfrom one of :said bins, and'a short endless conveyor belt extending in alignment with and as a substantial continuation of each of said grading chains 'andz'serving to bridge an aisle and interposedbet-ween thedelivery end of each grading unit and its respective bin for receiving the graded fruit fromthe sizing chain and delivering it to thebin.

MCSHERRYILUPTON. 

